Motorcyclists spend the riding season sharing the safety slogan "Look twice, save a life," and Midland Police are looking to get those with four wheels on board as well.

This month, the department's traffic safety campaign is focusing on residential and school zone safety, as well as promoting awareness for motorcycle safety. Last year, all three fatal crashes on city streets involved motorcycles or motor bikes.

Motorcycle safety falls not only on those riding on two wheels, but also those in cars and trucks as well.

"That's the main concern, making sure both drivers are safe," Midland Police Community Relations Sgt. Chris Wenzell said, adding today's society is so distracted that sometimes we reach our destinations without remembering if we stopped for a traffic light and the like.

"When it comes to motorcycle awareness, that exactly what it is - awareness," he said.

Those driving in vehicles are asked to:

• Be aware of cyclists. After Michigan's long winter, drivers are not accustomed to seeing motorcycle, mopeds and bicycles on the roads.

• Share the road. Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane of traffic, just like another car or truck. Moped and bicycle riders must stay to the right and share a lane.

• Keep a safe distance from motorcycles. Because of road hazards or other traffic conditions, motorcyclists may have to swerve or stop suddenly.

• Check your blind spots before turning, changing lanes, backing up or parking. Many traffic crashes occur because a driver did not check or see the motorcyclist.

• Be extra alert for motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles at or near intersections. They are easily overlooked if traffic is heavy or when drivers are in a hurry. Pay particular attention when making left turns across traffic to ensure that a motorcyclist may not be coming straight through.

• Use extreme care in passing. Because of the smaller size of a motorcycle, a car or truck passing too fast or too close could blow the motorcyclist out of control. In addition, a vehicle passing too close to a motorcycle, could throw stones or other road debris at the motorcyclist.

• Do not use cell phones while driving.

In 2017, there were three fatal motorcycle crashes, six injury accidents and five property damage accidents. One of the crashes causing injuries involved another vehicle, and three of the property damage crashes involved a second vehicle.

"All three of the fatalities involved other vehicles," Wenzell said of last year's crashes. The at-fault drivers in two of the fatal crashes were drivers of vehicles that struck motorcycles.

In 2016, motorcyclists were involved in five crashes causing injuries, and two crashes without injuries, and those crashes did not involve other vehicles. There were 10 injury accidents involving second vehicles.

In 2015, the numbers were lower, with two injury crashes involving only motorcycles, one crash with injuries involving another vehicle, and six property damage accidents total. Five of those crashes involved other vehicles.

Tips for motorcycles include wearing helmets and other protective gear, being more aware of what other drivers are doing especially at intersections, and avoiding riding at morning or dusk when deer are more active.

"On a bike, you're a lot more vulnerable," Wenzell said, so keep an eye out for other traffic and make sure you're visible.